Top 41 Slang For Sickness – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to feeling under the weather, sometimes regular words just don’t cut it. From “calling in sick” to “feeling under the weather,” we’ve got you covered with a list of the most relatable and trendy slang terms for sickness. Whether you’re feeling “meh” or “down with the sickness,” our team has compiled the ultimate guide to help you navigate the world of being unwell. So grab a cup of tea, snuggle up in your favorite blanket, and get ready to explore the coolest slang for sickness!

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1. Under the weather

This phrase is used to describe a state of being slightly sick or not feeling one’s best.

For example, “I can’t come to work today, I’m feeling a bit under the weather.”
When asked how they’re doing, someone might respond, “I’m feeling a little under the weather, but I’ll manage.”
A friend might offer, “If you’re feeling under the weather, I can bring you some soup.”

2. Down with the sickness

This phrase is used to describe being seriously or severely sick.

For instance, “I caught the flu and I’m really down with the sickness.”
A person might say, “I can’t go out tonight, I’m down with the sickness.”
When someone asks about their health, they might reply, “I’ve been down with the sickness for a week now.”

3. Feeling off

This phrase is used to describe a general sense of not feeling well or feeling out of sorts.

For example, “I’m feeling a bit off today, not sure why.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling off lately, but I can’t pinpoint why.”
When asked if they’re okay, someone might respond, “I’m feeling a little off, but it’s nothing serious.”

4. Fighting a bug

This phrase is used to describe actively trying to overcome an illness or sickness.

For instance, “I’m fighting a bug, so I won’t be able to make it to the party.”
A person might say, “I’ve been fighting a bug for a few days now, but I’m starting to feel better.”
When asked how they’re doing, someone might reply, “I’m still fighting this bug, but I think I’m winning.”

5. Coming down with something

This phrase is used to describe the early stages of becoming sick or feeling the onset of an illness.

For example, “I think I’m coming down with something, I have a sore throat.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling tired all day, I hope I’m not coming down with something.”
When someone asks if they’re feeling okay, they might respond, “I’m not sure yet, but I think I might be coming down with something.”

6. Out of sorts

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or not quite oneself.

For example, “I’ve been feeling out of sorts all day, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might say, “I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m feeling a bit out of sorts.”
A person experiencing fatigue and irritability might explain, “I’ve been out of sorts lately, I think I need to take a break.”

7. Laid up

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is confined to bed or unable to engage in their usual activities.

For instance, “I sprained my ankle and now I’m laid up for a few days.”
A person recovering from surgery might say, “I’m still laid up, but I’m slowly getting better.”
Someone with a severe cold might explain, “I’ve been laid up with a bad cough and fever.”

8. Feeling peaky

This phrase is commonly used to describe a mild or temporary feeling of sickness or discomfort.

For example, “I woke up this morning feeling a bit peaky, but I think it’s just allergies.”
A person with a headache and fatigue might say, “I’ve been feeling peaky all day.”
Someone experiencing nausea might explain, “I’m feeling a bit peaky, I think I might have eaten something bad.”

9. Off color

This phrase is often used to describe someone who appears pale or sickly, or who is not behaving or feeling their usual self.

For instance, “You look a bit off color, are you feeling okay?”
A person experiencing fatigue and dizziness might say, “I’ve been feeling off color lately.”
Someone with an upset stomach might explain, “I’m feeling off color, I think I might have caught a bug.”

10. A touch of the flu

This phrase is used to describe a mild case of the flu, typically with less severe symptoms than a full-blown flu infection.

For example, “I’ve been feeling tired and achy, I think I have a touch of the flu.”
A person with a slight fever and headache might say, “I’m staying home from work today, I have a touch of the flu.”
Someone experiencing mild flu-like symptoms might explain, “I’ve been coughing and sneezing, I think I caught a touch of the flu.”

11. Running a temperature

This phrase is used to describe someone who has an elevated body temperature, typically as a symptom of an illness or infection.

For example, “I can’t come to work today because I’m running a temperature.”
A parent might say, “My child is running a temperature, so they need to stay home from school.”
Someone might complain, “I’ve been running a temperature all week and can’t seem to shake this cold.”

12. Feeling queasy

This phrase is used to describe a feeling of discomfort in the stomach, often accompanied by a sensation of wanting to vomit.

For instance, “I ate something that didn’t agree with me and now I’m feeling queasy.”
A person might say, “I can’t go on amusement park rides because they make me feel queasy.”
Another might ask, “Does anyone have any remedies for feeling queasy after a long car ride?”

13. Feeling poorly

This phrase is used to describe a general state of not feeling well or being in poor health.

For example, “I won’t be able to make it to the party tonight because I’m feeling poorly.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling poorly for a few days now and can’t seem to get better.”
A person might complain, “I hate feeling poorly because it ruins my productivity.”

14. Off sick

This phrase is used to describe someone who is absent from work or school because they are sick or unwell.

For instance, “I won’t be in the office today because I’m off sick.”
A student might say, “I missed the exam because I was off sick.”
Someone might explain, “I’ve been off sick for a week with the flu, but I’m finally starting to feel better.”

15. Knocked out

This phrase is used to describe a state of extreme fatigue or exhaustion.

For example, “I worked a double shift yesterday and I’m completely knocked out.”
Someone might say, “After running a marathon, I was knocked out for the rest of the day.”
A person might complain, “I’ve been studying all night and I’m completely knocked out, I need some sleep.”

16. Down for the count

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is completely incapacitated or unable to function due to sickness or injury.

For example, “After catching the flu, she was down for the count for a week.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “After taking a hard hit, the boxer was down for the count.”
A person might use this phrase to describe their own illness, saying, “I caught a bad cold and I’m down for the count.”

17. Off one’s feed

This phrase is typically used to describe a person or animal who is not interested in eating or has lost their appetite due to illness.

For instance, “The sick child was off his feed and refused to eat anything.”
A pet owner might say, “My dog is off her feed today, I think she’s not feeling well.”
Someone discussing their own illness might say, “Ever since I got the flu, I’ve been off my feed and can’t enjoy any food.”

18. Off one’s game

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is not performing at their usual level due to illness or fatigue.

For example, “The basketball player was off his game after coming down with a cold.”
A person might say, “I’ve been off my game at work lately because of this persistent headache.”
In a competitive setting, someone might comment, “He’s usually a great chess player, but today he’s really off his game.”

19. Out of commission

This phrase is used to describe something that is temporarily or permanently out of operation or unavailable due to illness or damage.

For instance, “The broken elevator was out of commission for days, causing inconvenience for residents.”
A person might say, “I can’t go to the party tonight, my car is out of commission.”
Someone discussing their illness might say, “I won’t be able to work for a while, I’m completely out of commission.”

20. Down in the dumps

This phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling low or experiencing sadness or depression.

For example, “After receiving bad news, she was down in the dumps for days.”
A person might say, “I’ve been feeling down in the dumps lately, I think I need a break.”
Someone discussing their friend’s mood might comment, “She’s been down in the dumps ever since her breakup.”

21. Off-kilter

This phrase is used to describe feeling unwell or out of sorts.

For example, “I’ve been feeling a bit off-kilter lately, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might say, “I can’t go to the party tonight, I’m feeling off-kilter.”
A person describing their symptoms might say, “I have a headache and feel off-kilter.”

22. Down with something

This phrase is used to indicate that someone is currently experiencing symptoms of an illness.

For instance, “I’m feeling really tired and achy, I think I’m down with something.”
A person might say, “I can’t come to work today, I’m down with something.”
Someone describing their symptoms might say, “I have a fever and sore throat, I’m definitely down with something.”

23. Bug

This term is used to refer to a general illness or infection.

For example, “I caught a bug and have been feeling sick all week.”
A person might say, “I think I have a stomach bug, I’ve been throwing up all morning.”
Someone describing their symptoms might say, “I have a bug and my nose won’t stop running.”

24. Sick as a dog

This phrase is used to describe being very sick or unwell.

For instance, “I can’t get out of bed, I’m sick as a dog.”
A person might say, “I’ve been throwing up all night, I feel sick as a dog.”
Someone describing their symptoms might say, “I have a high fever, headache, and body aches, I feel sick as a dog.”

25. Lurgy

This term is used to refer to a non-specific illness or ailment.

For example, “I’ve got the lurgy, I’ve been feeling terrible all day.”
A person might say, “I think I caught the lurgy from my coworker.”
Someone describing their symptoms might say, “I have a cough, runny nose, and fatigue, it must be the lurgy.”

26. Queasy

This term is used to describe a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness in the stomach, often accompanied by a sensation of wanting to vomit. “Queasy” is often used to describe a mild form of nausea.

For example, “I ate too much at lunch and now I feel queasy.”
A person might say, “The bumpy car ride made me feel queasy.”
Another might complain, “The smell of that food makes me queasy.”

27. Ailing

This term refers to a person who is not in good health or is experiencing symptoms of illness. It can be used to describe a mild or temporary condition.

For instance, “I’m feeling a bit ailing today, so I’m going to stay home.”
A person might say, “My grandmother has been ailing for a while now.”
Another might comment, “He’s been looking ailing lately, I hope he’s okay.”

28. Off-color

This term is used to describe a person who is not feeling well or is in poor health. It can also refer to someone who is behaving strangely or in an abnormal manner.

For example, “She’s been feeling off-color for the past few days.”
A person might say, “He’s been acting a bit off-color lately, I wonder what’s wrong.”
Another might comment, “I could tell she was off-color by the way she looked.”

29. Off one’s rocker

This term is used to describe someone who is behaving in a strange or irrational manner, often due to mental instability or illness. It can also be used to describe someone who is acting in an unpredictable or nonsensical way.

For instance, “After the accident, he was completely off his rocker.”
A person might say, “She’s been talking to herself and laughing uncontrollably, she must be off her rocker.”
Another might comment, “He’s been making wild and nonsensical claims, he’s definitely off his rocker.”

30. Down and out

This term is used to describe someone who is in a state of extreme illness or poor health. It can also be used to describe someone who is experiencing a period of difficulty or misfortune.

For example, “After weeks of being sick, I was completely down and out.”
A person might say, “He lost his job and his house, he’s really down and out.”
Another might comment, “She’s been battling a serious illness for months, she’s definitely down and out.”

31. Feeling rough

This phrase is used to describe a general feeling of being unwell or under the weather. It can refer to various symptoms or discomforts.

For example, “I’m feeling rough today, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might say, “I partied too hard last night, now I’m feeling really rough.”
A person might complain, “I’ve been feeling rough all week, I can’t seem to shake this cold.”

32. A bit peaky

This phrase is used to describe a state of feeling slightly unwell or off. It can refer to mild symptoms or a general sense of being under par.

For instance, “I’m feeling a bit peaky today, I think I might need to rest.”
Someone might say, “I didn’t sleep well last night, so I’m feeling a bit peaky.”
A person might comment, “I’ve been feeling a bit peaky lately, I should probably see a doctor.”

33. Suffering from a bug

This phrase is used to describe being sick or having an illness, often one that is mild or temporary. It can refer to various types of infections or illnesses.

For example, “I’m suffering from a bug, so I won’t be able to come to work today.”
Someone might say, “I caught a bug while traveling, now I’m suffering from a stomachache.”
A person might complain, “I’ve been suffering from a bug for a few days, I can’t seem to get better.”

34. A touch of the sniffles

This phrase is used to describe having a mild cold or experiencing nasal congestion. It can refer to symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose.

For instance, “I have a touch of the sniffles, so I might need to blow my nose frequently.”
Someone might say, “I always get a touch of the sniffles during allergy season.”
A person might comment, “I’ve had a touch of the sniffles for a few days, but it’s not too severe.”

35. Off-colour

This phrase is used to describe a state of not feeling well or healthy. It can refer to a general sense of being unwell or experiencing various symptoms.

For example, “I’m feeling a bit off-colour today, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling off-colour lately, I should probably take better care of myself.”
A person might comment, “I’m feeling a bit off-colour after eating that questionable food.”

36. Feeling lousy

This phrase is used to describe a general state of feeling sick or unwell. It can refer to various symptoms or illnesses.

For example, “I’ve been feeling lousy all day, I think I might be coming down with something.”
Someone might say, “I can’t make it to the party tonight, I’m feeling lousy.”
A person describing their symptoms might say, “I have a headache, body aches, and I just feel lousy overall.”

37. A bit off

This phrase is used to describe a mild feeling of sickness or being out of sorts. It suggests a slight deviation from normal health.

For instance, “I’m not sure what’s wrong, but I’ve been feeling a bit off lately.”
Someone might say, “I don’t think I can eat that, I’m feeling a bit off.”
A person might describe their condition as, “I have a little bit of a sore throat and I just feel a bit off.”

38. A bit crook

This phrase is commonly used in Australian slang to describe a mild feeling of sickness or not feeling well.

For example, “I can’t come to work today, I’m feeling a bit crook.”
Someone might say, “I think I caught a cold, I’ve been feeling a bit crook.”
A person describing their symptoms might say, “I have a runny nose and a slight cough, I feel a bit crook.”

39. A case of the sniffles

This phrase is used to describe a mild case of the common cold, typically characterized by a runny or stuffy nose.

For instance, “I won’t be able to make it to the meeting, I have a case of the sniffles.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been sneezing all day, I think I have a case of the sniffles.”
A person describing their symptoms might say, “I have a runny nose and a bit of a sore throat, it’s just a case of the sniffles.”

40. A touch of the tummy bug

This phrase is used to describe a mild stomach illness or discomfort, often associated with symptoms like nausea or an upset stomach.

For example, “I won’t be able to go out to dinner tonight, I have a touch of the tummy bug.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been feeling queasy all day, I think I caught a touch of the tummy bug.”
A person describing their symptoms might say, “I have some stomach cramps and I feel a bit nauseous, it’s just a touch of the tummy bug.”

41. A case of the wimpies

This phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling physically weak or feeble due to being sick.

For example, “I can’t go to the gym today, I have a case of the wimpies.”
Someone might say, “I caught a cold and now I have a case of the wimpies.”
A person might complain, “I hate being sick, it always gives me a case of the wimpies.”